Riya, 19, lives in Indore with her parents and studies at a local college. She has also joined a youth volunteer club. At club meetings, members from other colleges tell her about scholarships and short courses she had never heard of. Some weeks a club cleanliness drive falls on the same day as a family function, and both her parents and the club leader want her to be there. Last year Riya wrote on her own to the municipality asking for a public library and got no reply. This year sixty club members signed one request together, and the municipality agreed.
The municipality ignored Riya's own letter but agreed when sixty club members asked together. Which reason for joining groups does this show?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → Goal achievement
Option (1) Goal achievement — Correct. Groups help people reach goals they cannot attain individually, because there is power in the majority. Riya alone got no reply; sixty members together got the library.
Option (2) Security — Incorrect. Security means a group reduces the insecurity of being alone and makes people feel protected. The library was won by joint effort.
Option (3) Status — Incorrect. Status is feeling recognised for belonging to a group others think important. The municipality agreed because of the number of people asking.
Option (4) Self-esteem — Incorrect. Self-esteem is the self-worth and positive social identity a group gives. It is about how members see themselves.
NCERT (2026-27): “Why Do People Join Groups? … “• Status : When we are members of a group that is perceived to be important by others, we feel recognised and experience a sense of power. Suppose your school wins in an inter - institutional debate competition, you feel proud and think that you are better than others.” “• Self-esteem : Groups provide feelings of self-worth and establish a positive social identity. Being a member of prestigious groups enhances one’s self-concept.” “• Satisfaction of one’s psychological and social needs : Groups satisfy one’s social and psychological needs such as sense of belongingness, giving and receiving attention, love, and power through a group.” “• Goal achievement : Groups help in achieving such goals which cannot be attained individually. There is power in the majority.” |